Come, sea and enjoy!

A new and exciting family friendly event is about to land on Leeside. SeaFest and Cork Harbour Festival are coming together for Ireland’s biggest maritime celebration, which will take place in Cork this June.

The maritime festival will take up residence at the Port of Cork from 7-9 June.

This will be the culmination of a week-long celebration of Ireland’s maritime heritage, as the annual Cork Harbour Festival runs from 1-9 June, with over 70 events for all to enjoy.

Having been held in Galway for the past three years, Cork City Council and the Inter-Departmental Marine Coordination Group will now present SeaFest from 2019-2021. More than 100,000 are expected to attend the national annual festival on Cork city’s quays, celebrating what the ocean has to offer.

Speaking at the announcement, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn said: “We are delighted that Cork city will enjoy two festivals this June, with nine action-packed days of activities focused on the water. While Cork Harbour Festival will celebrate Cork’s rich maritime heritage, SeaFest will acknowledge the value of Ireland’s oceans and encourage national engagement with our seas. These two festivals will be a spectacular showcase for both locals and visitors alike, with an amazing variety of family-focused events, exhibits, talks, demonstrations, and workshops soon to be announced.”

Cork Harbour Festival Manager Joya Kuin added: “June will be a fantastic celebration of all things maritime, with Cork Harbour Festival returning with another jam-packed programme and SeaFest docking at the city’s quayside for the next three years.

The collaboration of the two festivals will highlight to a local, national and international audience our rich maritime culture and how easily it can be accessed for all to enjoy.”